No radio ads, no skywriters, no billboards. It all started with an e mail from a publicist that read: “This invitation is not to be posted or shared…and the location must not be revealed in any form of media or social media.” On Tuesday, April 8, Aerosmith affirmed its upcoming Let Rock Rule tour with Slash featuring Miles Kennedy and the Conspirators in a very rock and roll way. The venerated band from Boston played a show at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip.

Singer Steven Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry, Bassist Tom Hamilton, and drummer Joey Kramer gave their fans and the media (most of whom were fans as well) a performance that will not soon be forgotten. Guitarist Brad Whitford was not with his bandmates due to a previous commitment, and although Whitford is an integral part of the Aerosmith guitar sound, Joe Perry shined throughout the six-song set.

Opening up prodigiously with Draw the Line, the Aerosmith energy permeated the Whisky, where, according to Steven Tyler, they hadn’t played since 1973. The room was packed to capacity, and as the temperature rose no one seemed to care, as this was history in the making. A mustachioed Tyler, the consummate entertainer, sang his ass off while his bandmates played the melodies and rhythms that won their fans for over 40 years.

Slash, a self-proclaimed Aerosmith freak, got onstage to play Mama Kin and Train Kept a Rollin’ as the set closed. Although a true fan at an Aerosmith show has their ear trained for the distinctive Perry licks, Slash was well-received by the audience. With that, the band announced their upcoming tour, kicking off in New York July 10…and the house lights came up.